Q&A: Leaving
Leaving
Question
Hello,
I value your opinion, so I’m asking you.
I am a resident of the country, Jewish and religious, and I am thinking of leaving the country. I don’t have any problem managing financially abroad either, so that is not part of the consideration.
I am thinking of leaving because of the government and my despair over the situation. Is it permitted to leave even though this is not one of Maimonides’ reasons for permitting emigration?
Is there a moral problem with leaving?
Answer
From a halakhic standpoint, I do not think this is a justified reason. Despair is something one overcomes. If you are suffering greatly and cannot overcome it in any other way, then you may leave. In my opinion, this is just psychology. When you live abroad, you should not expect to feel any better.
Morally, it is hard to say that a Jew who lives abroad has a moral obligation to immigrate to Israel. So why should the situation be different for someone who already lives here?!